John Yeats (economist and educationalist) facts for kids

John Yeats (born August 24, 1822 – died June 14, 1902) was an English expert in economics and education. He taught and wrote about business, geography, history, and science. John Yeats started a school in Peckham, London. He was also a member of important groups like the Royal Geographical Society and the Society for Arts. He worked to help people learn practical skills for jobs, especially in international trade.

John Yeats's Early Life and Education

John Yeats was born in Gosberton, Lincolnshire. His parents were Sarah and John Yeats. His father was a minister at a church in Gosberton. John Yeats became a school teacher.

Learning and Teaching in Europe

From 1844 to 1847, John Yeats lived in Switzerland. He also spent time in the Netherlands and Germany. He taught at farming schools run by a famous Swiss educator, Philipp Emanuel von Fellenberg. These schools were in Hofwil, near Bern.

Teaching at Queenwood College

Between 1847 and 1851, Yeats worked at George Edmondson's new school. This school was called Queenwood College in Hampshire. It was an experimental school focused on science and technical skills. It also taught about farming. Other teachers there included the Irish scientist John Tyndall and the English chemist Edward Frankland. John Yeats mainly taught Geography and History.

Founding a School in London

In 1851, John Yeats started his own private school. It was first called "The Middle School," then "The Upper School." The school was located in Peckham, London. It focused on training boys for careers in business. John Yeats lived there with his wife, Sarah.

A School for Many Nations

His school was advertised widely. Students came from many different countries. Yeats invited or hired famous people to visit or teach. These guests included General Giuseppe Garibaldi, poet Gottfried Kinkel, and engineer Henry Bessemer. Successful students even received a special medal.

Promoting Education and Trade

John Yeats became a member of the Royal Geographical Society and the Society of Arts in 1854. He gave talks about his research in economics. He also pushed for better education in the United Kingdom. He often pointed to how other European countries were doing well. He believed in teaching practical skills for business. Sadly, in 1854, his only child, Sarah Ann, passed away.

Economic Research and Recognition

In 1855, he gave a speech called On Our National Strength. It looked at important economic information. This speech was given at a meeting in Glasgow. In 1859, he earned a special degree from the University of Glasgow.

Later Life and Contributions

John Yeats's school was very successful. It helped him become wealthy. From 1871, he published several books about international business. These were the first books of their kind in the UK. They were called Technical, Industrial and Trade Education and later Manuals of Commerce. These books were printed many times and translated into other languages.

Moving to Chepstow

In 1873, he sold his school and moved to Chepstow. He strongly supported free trade. This meant he believed in allowing goods to be traded between countries without many taxes or rules. He gave many talks on this topic. He was well-known in his local community. He stayed active in business, science, and education.

Community Involvement

In 1885, he helped start the "Chepstow Working Men's Liberal Association and Club." For almost 50 years, he wrote regularly for the Journal of the Society of Arts. He also helped set up a committee for technical education. From 1874 to 1888, he was an examiner for business geography.

Family and Final Years

Sarah Yeats, his first wife, died in 1886. A year later, in 1887, John Yeats married Catherine Chapman. He was 65, and she was 50. He passed away at his home in Chepstow in 1902. He had been unwell for some years. He was buried in Nunhead Cemetery next to his first wife and child. His second wife, Catherine, died shortly after him in 1902.